ARY buys majority stake in Nukta, signaling digital shift

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 March 2026 |  JP Staff Report

ARY Digital Network acquired a majority stake in digital-first newsroom Nukta, founded by Kamran Khan; Nukta will remain based in Dubai while joining ARY's broadcast and online platforms, part of the network's strategy to strengthen its digital journalism presence.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s media landscape entered a new phase Sunday after ARY Digital Network announced it had acquired a majority stake in the digital news platform Nukta, bringing the rapidly growing outlet into the ARY Group’s expanding broadcast and digital ecosystem.

The acquisition links one of Pakistan’s most influential television networks with a digital-first newsroom founded by veteran journalist Kamran Khan. ARY said the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in online journalism as audiences increasingly consume news through digital platforms rather than traditional television. Nukta will continue operating from its Dubai headquarters while becoming part of ARY’s international media network.

A broadcast giant moves deeper into digital

For ARY, the deal represents a significant step toward building a multi-platform media operation that combines television reach with digital storytelling. The network already commands a large audience through its television channels and online platforms, and integrating Nukta allows it to add a ready-made digital newsroom and growing online audience to its portfolio.

Salman Iqbal, founder of ARY Digital Network and CEO of ARY Group, said the partnership reflects the rapid transformation of the media industry. He noted that bringing Nukta into the ARY ecosystem would strengthen the network’s digital presence while building on its established broadcast influence.

Launched in November 2024, Nukta positioned itself as a digital-first journalism platform with content verticals including Nukta Business, Nukta Crime, and Nukta Life. The platform quickly attracted attention in Pakistan’s media industry by hiring experienced journalists and focusing on digital video content and analysis.

Kamran Khan returns to the broadcast spotlight

The acquisition also reshapes the professional trajectory of Kamran Khan, one of Pakistan’s most recognizable television journalists. Under the new arrangement, he will join ARY as chairman of ARY News and Nukta, bringing his digital platform under the same umbrella as the television network.

As part of the integration, Khan’s flagship digital program On My Radar will soon air on ARY News, potentially expanding its reach from online audiences to millions of television viewers across Pakistan and abroad.

The move highlights how Pakistani media organizations are increasingly blending television and digital formats. Analysts say that while digital platforms have grown rapidly, monetization challenges and operational costs have made sustainability difficult for independent digital outlets.

Consolidation pressures in Pakistan’s media industry

The deal also reflects wider structural pressures within Pakistan’s media sector. Digital startups have struggled to sustain large editorial teams through online advertising alone, while legacy broadcasters are investing more aggressively in digital expansion.

By acquiring Nukta, ARY gains an established digital infrastructure and editorial team, while Nukta gains access to the network’s production resources, advertising relationships, and distribution systems. The integration could potentially stabilize the platform after a turbulent period marked by financial strain and layoffs in 2025.

For the broader media industry, the acquisition signals a trend toward consolidation in which major broadcast networks absorb or partner with digital news startups to expand their reach and secure new audiences.

WHY THIS MATTERS: This acquisition highlights how Pakistan’s legacy television networks are increasingly investing in digital platforms to remain competitive in a rapidly changing media market. For journalists and newsrooms, it signals that digital startups may increasingly rely on partnerships with large media groups for financial sustainability. The move also underscores the growing convergence of television and digital journalism in Pakistan.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on an official announcement issued by ARY Digital Network on March 8, 2026.